Mamelodi Sundowns’ emphatic 4-1 win over Chippa United was a statement of intent to Betway Premiership clubs and most notably, to Orlando Pirates, who are threatening to overthrow Masandawana from the top of the mountain.
Sundowns are already eyeing the scalp of their next opponents, Durban City whom they will face at the Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday.
Against Chippa, the defending league champions put up one of their best performances, which sends a stern warning that says “catch us if you can” to the Buccaneers. The Brazilians have now won nine Betway Premiership matches in a row.
Sundowns took full advantage of their rescheduled fixture against the Chilli Boys as they were able to elbow Pirates from the top of the Betway Premiership standings on Good Friday.
Sundowns and Pirates are involved in a cat-and-mouse chase at the top of the league table.
Sundowns have now regained their two-point lead at the top and have registered 53 points after 22 matches.
Pirates dropped to second place with 51 points after the same number of matches.
The Chippa match was brought forward at the request of the Brazilians, who have a hectic fixture schedule.
Sundowns are still involved in the CAF Champions League and will be facing Esperance of Tunisia in the semi-finals.
Pirates next league match is also on Tuesday when they host Lamontville Golden Arrows in Soweto.
Downs coach Miguel Cardoso showed off the depth in his squad, and he was able to beat Chippa without some of the Bafana Bafana stars Themba Zwane, Khuliso Mudau and Teboho Mokoena who were on the bench.
On Tuesday, they will face a tricky City side that has been blowing hot and cold. City may have won their last match, beating Richards Bay 1-0, but inconsistency has been their “Achilles heel”. In their last six matches, they have won two, lost as many and drew two games as well and such variation will be worrisome for their technical team.
Said Cardoso after their match: “It was a good result, and an interesting game of football. It is always difficult to restart after a Fifa international break. Some of the players come back with heavy legs.
“Yes, we have won nine league matches in a row and it is important, but it is not enough. Our next match we are going to Durban and we want to perform in a similar way against Chippa. If we want to be champions, we must win a series of matches, there is no space to lose points. We now focus on the match in Durban and we have to add more victories,” he added.
Against Chippa, Marcelo Allende opened the scoring before the red-hot Iqraam Rayners headed home the second. Sinoxolo Kwayiba reduced the deficit, making it 2-1 on the stroke of half-time.
Tashreeq Matthews grabbed the third while Brayan Leon sealed the match with what is a contender for goal of the season.
Leon sliced the ball into the net when he was just a few meters from the corner flag, leaving Chippa goalkeeper Dumisani Msibi stranded as the ball slowly curled into the net.
- Mamelodi Sundowns secured a commanding 4-1 victory against Chippa United.
- The win serves as a strong message to other Betway Premiership clubs.
- Orlando Pirates, who are close challengers, are notably targeted by this statement.
- Sundowns aim to maintain their top position in the league standings.
- The full story is available in the Sunday World e-edition.
